We are going to England in October. We have part of the trip planned but have about 7-10 days open still. We love being near water but cannot decide between the above. Any and all suggestions are welcomed. We like walking (even in rain), pottering about in antique and vintage stores, coastlines or lakeshores, and having a good lunch in a cozy pub. What area offers the most? Thanks

Well the Jurassic coast is roughly where I grew up though the name is new. Including Purbeck Island (not an island) and extending the JC to Weymouth and inland a fair bit is a very interesting area of wonderful walks and a few pottering shops (Wharham, Dorchester, Corfe, Weymouth, (Poole and Blandford in the distance)

Cornwall is very good walking and hits the spot well. Hopefully Annhig will be along during the day to brief you.

The lake district is great walking and cycling. October will be less busy and a good fit.

No mention of the so-called "Jurassic Coast" is complete without the Isle of Wight. Just a few miles off the south coast by ferry, and often referred to as "England in miniature". Has some charming small villages and great walks along rolling chalk downs and sea cliffs. Also superb seafood and country pubs if you know where to look.
http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/

Quite honestly, you could pick any of the three out of a hat and get a winner. If you like fossil hunting, then Lyme Regis and the nearby beaches will interest you. You are almost certain to find small fossils, especially after a storm. You might even find a big'un

This looks interesting
http://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/whats-on/fossil-walks
It is organised by the Lyme Regis museum. I notice that one October walk is fully booked already. Half term?

Where are you stopping for the rest of the trip - that might have a bearing on your final decision for those last 7-10 days.

All the suggestions sound good. We will be visiting a friend in Suffolk and then have rented a self catering cottage in the Cotswolds. After that is what is still undecided. If it was your trip where would you go? Also, is weather better in one of the areas? Vintage shops better in one or the other? Cornwall seems a bit more of a drive, but I grew up by the Pacific Ocean and love rough seas. We have never been so undecided!!! All ideas are useful!

The further north you go in October, the potential grows for worse weather, although that is not a given just a guide. All three locations offer what you want, but if you are based in the Cotswolds immediately prior to this move, I think that I'd head to the JC for ease of transportation to and from.

Good Point. If we take a day to go to the potteries how much driving is it to go to the lake district?

All these areas are good for walking, but if its rough seas then the Lake District is ruled out. I would go for Cornwall or Lakes if its walking you want, with the Lakes probably in the lead. There wont be much difference in weather in either Lakes or Cornwall - maybe the rain will be a tad warmer in Cornwall but not much as you would notice.

Stayed here http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin/ in January this year, grew webbed feet.

Does one or the other have better vintage shops and good pubs as we seem to be down to using that to help us decide?

All three have good pubs,

Cornwall is a big place with small towns many of which are your basics, but certain towns (St Ives example) have vintage shops, see also Jurassic. The lakes are more constrained by the landscape into having slighly higher density towns and most surviving only on tourism. I don't think your selection critieria is sensible (as there arother areas with more "vintage shops") but I'd chose the Lakes. But I feel the Lakes are a little "tame" in comparison.

Thank you. We are considering Cornwall and come back to the Dorset Coast. Is that totally not doable?

There are plenty of good pubs and real ale in the Lakes. In Cornwall you have the additional bonus of local cider...

Thanks for the great discussion. We are still wavering but think that maybe a compromise might be 3 days in the Peak District, 3 days in Somerset, and 3 in Cornwall, if not too crazy or trying to do to much.

Danni, I'd just take the two in the south. ;-)

If you are doing the Lakes then you could combo that with the Dales in Yorkshire. Lots of rivers along the Dales, great pubs, great little shops and walking.

Hi Danni,

i echo what Bilbo said - it's a bit of a hike to get to Cornwall and quite a long way to come just for 3 days, especially for a first visit. you could usefully base yourselves in 2 places for 3 nights each - one on the north coast around Port Isaac or St. Ives, and another on the south possibly Falmouth or Fowey. All 4 places have good access to wonderful walks along the cliffs, cosy little pubs, exploration of the coast etc., though obviously we don't have the sort of jurassic experience you can get in Dorset.

if you're still interested I'm sure I can come up with some more concrete ideas - even some for things to do in the rain!